Summer brings longer days, higher temperatures, and more time spent both indoors with the AC running and outdoors enjoying the sunshine. But with the change in season also comes a new set of demands on your home's electrical system. Whether you're adding comfort, convenience, or new features to your home, tackling the right electrical projects now can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
As a master electrician specializing in residential remodels, I’ve worked on just about every summer-related electrical upgrade you can imagine. Here are the top electrical projects I recommend to get your home summer-ready.
1. Wiring for an Air Conditioner
If you’re adding a new air conditioning unit or upgrading an existing one, the wiring is just as important as the unit itself. Air conditioners draw a lot of power, and many older homes simply aren’t wired to handle that kind of load. Without the proper circuit size and dedicated wiring, you risk tripped breakers or even fire hazards. Electrical code will always recommend a dedicated 240V circuit for central air or mini-split systems, and check to ensure your panel can handle the extra demand. If not, that brings us to another project—panel upgrades (see point 9 below).
2. Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your cooling bills in the summer. They help circulate cool air more efficiently, allowing you to bump up the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. If your home doesn’t already have fan-rated ceiling boxes in the rooms, installing fans can require new wiring, switches, or bracing. Outdoor-rated ceiling fans are also a great option for covered patios or porches to keep air moving during warm evenings. Check out our blog here to learn about things you should consider before purchasing a ceiling fan for your home.
3. Hot Tub Wiring
Hot tubs are a popular backyard feature, but they’re also one of the more complex electrical installations you can do. Most hot tubs require a 240V circuit with GFCI protection, and need a dedicated disconnect box on the wall within sight of the hot tub. Improper wiring is not only unsafe—it can void warranties or damage your equipment. I’ve seen too many DIY setups that just aren’t safe. This is one project where you definitely need a licensed electrician involved. Our blog here goes in depth on what it takes to get a hot tub wired.
4. EV Charger Installation
Electric vehicles are becoming more common, and summer is a popular time to buy. But many homeowners don’t realize their home’s electrical system might not be ready to support a Level 2 charger. Installing a dedicated 240V outlet in your garage or driveway, protected by a proper breaker, allows you to charge your vehicle quickly and safely. If your panel is near capacity, this upgrade may also require a subpanel or full panel replacement.
5. Outdoor Kitchen and Patio Lighting
Outdoor kitchens are a fantastic way to extend your living space, but they require thoughtful electrical planning. You’ll need GFCI outlets for safety, dedicated circuits for appliances like fridges, grills, and blenders, and proper weatherproof boxes and conduit. Accent lighting, under-counter lights, and string lights can turn your outdoor space into a relaxing, inviting environment—but only if they’re installed with weather resistance and code compliance in mind.
6. Garage or Workshop Wiring
Summer often means home improvement projects and garage-based hobbies. If you’re using power tools, air compressors, or even running a small woodworking setup, your garage needs to be properly wired. I often upgrade garages with multiple dedicated circuits, bright overhead lighting, 240V outlets for larger tools, and GFCI protection. Don’t overload one outlet with power strips—installing the right infrastructure makes your workspace safer and more efficient.
7. Detached Shed or Home Office Wiring
A growing trend is converting detached structures—like sheds—into offices, studios, or backyard retreats. But powering these structures involves more than just running an extension cord from the house. You’ll typically need to trench and run a conduit or UF-rated wire, install a subpanel, and possibly add heating and cooling. Code compliance is key, especially when it comes to grounding and protection from the elements. Done right, you get a fully functional space that feels like a true extension of your home.
8. Attic Fans for Cooling
Attics trap a ton of heat during summer months, which can make your AC work harder than it needs to. Installing an attic fan helps vent that hot air, improving overall airflow and reducing cooling costs. These fans can be wired to turn on automatically via a thermostat, or controlled manually with a wall switch. Installation typically involves cutting a vent in your roof or gable and running power to the unit. It’s a relatively straightforward job that can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy use.
9. Electrical Panel Upgrades
Many summer upgrades—like AC units, hot tubs, and EV chargers—add a serious load to your electrical system. If your panel is older or close to maxed out, it’s time to consider a panel upgrade. A new panel not only provides more circuits, but also improves overall safety by replacing outdated breakers and wiring connections. Upgrading your panel gives you room to grow—whether that’s this summer or years down the road. You can read our blog here that explains the difference between a panel change and a service change.
10. Wiring for Outdoor Projects
Summer is all about being outside, and proper wiring makes those outdoor spaces more functional and enjoyable. Whether it’s running power to a pergola, installing garden lights, or wiring outlets for landscaping tools, outdoor circuits need to be done right. That means weatherproof outlets, GFCI protection, and proper conduit. Don’t take shortcuts—outdoor wiring is exposed to the elements and needs to be built to last.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time to relax and enjoy your home, but it’s also a time when your electrical system gets put to the test. Investing in the right upgrades now will pay off in comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind all season long.
If you’re planning any of these projects—or aren’t sure if your electrical system is ready for summer—reach out to a licensed electrician. We can evaluate your current setup, make recommendations, and handle the installation safely and up to code.
Need help getting your home summer-ready? Give me a call—I’m here to help make your summer safer, cooler, and a whole lot more comfortable.
